DENVER — This coming year, Congress will address many legislative issues that directly affect cattlemen and women including the farm bill, estate tax and environmental regulations. As the country’s oldest and largest organization representing the cattle industry, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has a strong voice in Washington, D.C. and a great opportunity to represent the forceful, unified influence of America’s beef producers.

NCBA is urging more cattle producers to join in this fight. According to NCBA Policy Division Chair Don Pemberton, NCBA’s strong membership base ensures the voices of cattle producers are heard loud and clear.

“We need to come together as an industry and defend the ranching way of life,” said Pemberton. “Having our voices heard in Washington, D.C., and across the country is crucial to the success of our industry and the beef producers that NCBA serves.”

Pemberton went on to add that even though NCBA already has a strong membership base and many legislative and regulatory victories under its belt, the organization can become even stronger by increasing its membership.

“NCBA achieves amazing success when we come together as a collective voice for our members and as an association representing thousands of cattlemen and women,” he said. “NCBA has been actively working for over 100 years to defend ranchers against overreaching government regulations and policies that could negatively affect producers, and we will continue to work with our state partners to represent cattle producers in the halls of Congress.”

In an effort to foster productive relationships and further the priorities and goals of the cattle industry, NCBA is also partnering with its state affiliates to increase membership within state organizations at the grassroots level. During this membership drive, NCBA is partnering with New Holland to reward states for their membership efforts. The state with the most new NCBA members before Dec. 31, 2012, will receive a one year lease on a New Holland baler or tractor. State affiliates that show an increase of NCBA membership by 15 percent or more will also be entered to win two additional one year leases. Winners will be announced at the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Tampa, Fla. For complete information on the campaign, member dues/benefits and recruitment incentives, visit www.beefusa.org or call 1-866-BEEFUSA or 1-866-233-3872.